How to Safely Hold Viewings in a COVID-19 World
Since emerging from lockdown the online property market has seen a boom, with most home search websites noting a rise in landlords looking to advertise property as well as potential buyers hoping to arrange property viewings.
However, because the lockdown has been lifted does not mean the virus has gone away. We live in a COVID-19 world and it is imperative that we all go about business in a safe way. Fortunately, the UK Government and scientists have published helpful guidelines to assist.
Keeping everybody safe during property viewings
Keeping everyone safe and virus free during property viewings is relatively easy but takes some planning. It requires effective communication between you (or whoever is performing the viewing), current tenants and the prospective tenants. Here are a few steps to take to keep yourself and your tenants safe.
Before Viewings
“Virtual viewings have played a big part in allowing the property market to work effectively and safely during this period. The additional benefits they provide landlords in terms of time saving and audience reach, mean they are likely to remain a key part of the process, both now and into the future.
However, it is easy for all of us to get complacent, and the safety measures outlined above must remain a prerequisite for viewings, to ensure we can all continue to rebuild a healthy housing and rental market.
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Offer Virtual Viewings:
Digital technology means you are now able to show your properties online. You do not need specialist software, you can use whichever video software you prefer such as Facetime, WhatsApp and Zoom. This allows potential tenants to narrow down properties that they are very serious in reducing the number of unnecessary viewings. Additionally, it creates an ideal opportunity to highlight the most attractive features of your property, gives your potential tenants a feel for the space and atmosphere and allows both parties to ask and address questions in a friendly face-to-face context.
Limit the number of viewers:
Try to limit viewings to a single decision maker or at least to members of the same household. Children should not attend either. If your property is a HMO (house of multiple occupation) and there is more than one decision maker, we recommend that a second viewing is arranged with viewings conducted separately. It goes without saying that you should not hold any viewings with anyone who is displaying symptoms or was less than 14 days ago. Make sure you keep meticulous records of who visited and when, in the unfortunate case of needing to contact trace.
Sanitise your surfaces:
It is imperative that you clean all hard surfaces ahead of the viewing with disinfectant or bleach. This includes door handles, knobs and cabinet doors. However, to avoid a strong clinical smell at the property use some air freshener or reed diffusers to bring a more pleasant smell into the space. It is also advisable to buy some hand sanitiser and place it near the entrance of the property for viewers to use on arrival.
Open All Windows and Internal Doors:
Allow as much air to flow through the property as possible by opening all available windows. Internal doors and feature storage cupboards should also be kept open to limit the number of knobs and handles touched by visitors to your home.
During Viewings
Ask Current Tenants to Vacate During Viewings:
To help facilitate social distancing it's best if the current occupants aren't home during viewings. If the current tenants are unable to leave during the viewing, ask them to move into different rooms using a one-way system to minimise contact with visitors.
One in, one out:
If you are conducting viewings with people from multiple households, it might be worth showing the property one at a time. Try to maintain social distancing rules as much as possible.
Wear a Mask:
Masks and face coverings are proven to reduce the spread of coronavirus. It is a good idea to always wear one during viewings especially if you are performing multiple viewings. You may also wish to provide disposable masks for those who have arrived under-prepared.
Avoid Touching Surfaces:
Once inside try not to touch any surfaces and encourage others to follow your example. You should also ensure that you re-sanitise all surfaces in-between viewings if you are holding more than one.
With careful consideration and a relatively small amount of effort, most landlords will find property viewings in a COVID-19 world need not be complicated. It's important to remember that property viewings need to fulfil their primary purpose, which is to delight your tenants with a comfortable, functional home. If done well, showing tenants a property that's sparkling clean, bright and well ventilated can enhance your property and appeal to long-term tenants looking for a comfortable home.
If you have any questions, get in touch with Husmus today.